The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union Service (SX bargaining unit) and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) (RX and TX bargaining units) have notified the University of California of their intent to conduct a UC-system-wide strike on Thursday, May 16. The strike will begin at midnight and end at 11:59 p.m. Approximately 68 Berkeley Lab employees are members of the AFSCME SX and EX bargaining units and approximately 265 employees are members of the UPTE RX (research) and TX (technical) bargaining units.
At Berkeley Lab, changes to deliveries, gate restrictions, and shuttle bus routes will be in place during the strike, along with other changes.
“We will keep you informed as the situation develops,” said Michael Brandt, Deputy Lab Director for Operations, “Although we do not know how many employees will choose to strike, we are preparing for reduced services in some areas of the Laboratory. Also, keep in mind that at the end of the day, we are all one team. Please practice patience while our colleagues exercise their legal right of free expression.”
What You Need to Know
Deliveries: There will be no incoming or outgoing shipments from Building 69 on Thursday. If you have a critical package that needs to be shipped or is scheduled to arrive that day, please make alternative arrangements at an off-site location.
Gate restrictions: Lab staff, suppliers, visitors, and guests must use the Blackberry or Grizzly Gates only. The Grizzly Gate will be open for entry into the Lab from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the strike. The Blackberry Gate will be open 24 hours. See the map.
The Strawberry Gate is for the exclusive use of construction contractors, their subcontractors, and their suppliers. Berkeley Lab employees will not be permitted to enter or exit through the Strawberry Gate.
Security checks: Additional security checks will be performed at all Berkeley Lab gates during the strike to ensure that personnel use the correct gate. Employees are asked to have their badges and parking placards ready for inspection and be prepared to answer questions. Additionally, Lab Security will refuse entrance to vehicles lacking valid Berkeley Lab parking permits at each gate. The Blackberry Gate security check will take place below the horseshoe parking lot (Lot F), near the Foothill Lot.
Traffic delays: Traffic delays may occur at Lab gates or on UC Berkeley property, whether or not picketing occurs, due to increased security measures and the need to comply with labor laws regarding gate access and restrictions. All Lab personnel are asked to plan for delays and make safety their number one priority.
Modified shuttle routes: The Orange Shuttle will access the Lab through the Blackberry Gate and maintain all regular Lab pickup locations, with the Pool stops on Centennial Drive closed. Riders should use the Rim Way and Gayley stop as an alternate. See map.
The Rockridge shuttle will keep its regular schedule, but it will enter through the Grizzly Gate and exit through the Blackberry Gate.
Employee Absences During the Strike: All Lab employees (both represented and non-represented) are expected to abide by their regular work schedules on May 16, and any unexcused absences will be unpaid. If employees call in sick on the strike days, they will be required to provide doctors’ notes upon their return to work.
Vacation requests: Vacation requests for May 16 will be denied on the basis of operational necessity; previously approved vacation days off will be honored.
Telecommuting: Any employee who has a formal telecommute agreement and who regularly telecommutes on any of the days of the week during which the strike occurs may maintain the normal telecommute schedule with supervisory approval.
Questions: Strike-related questions should be sent to strikeinfo@lbl.gov. This account will be monitored by a team from Human Resources, Facilities, and Protective Services.
Reporting concerns: If you see any safety issues or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately. For any other incidents or concerns, contact the Lab’s Security Operations Center at 510-486-6999.
Updates: Watch for updated information in Elements, via email, at the 1-800-445-5830 status line, and at status.lbl.gov.